Is Heroin a Stimulant? – No, heroin is not a stimulant. Heroin belongs to a drug class known as opioids that interact with corresponding receptors in the brain and tend to have sedating, relaxing, and depressant effects. They reduce activity in the brain and body, as well as relieve pain and may induce intense feelings of euphoria.

Conversely, stimulants boost activity in the brain. They may also produce euphoric feelings, but rather than experiencing a sedating effect, users report feeling a surge of energy, wakefulness, and alertness.

How is Heroin Used?

Heroin is usually found as a white or off-white powder but can also come in the form of a less pure tar-like substance known as black tar heroin. Heroin is often injected into a vein, but it can also be smoked (‘chasing the dragon’) and added to cigarettes and cannabis.

Short-Term Effects of Heroin

Heroin’s effects are almost immediate if it is injected intravenously. In contrast, it may take between 10 to 15 minutes for effects to appear if snorted. Note that, no matter the route of administration, there are no safe levels of heroin use, and all heroin use is risky and potentially lethal because it is often laced with other drugs and harmful chemicals.

The effects of heroin vary between individuals based on several factors, including the following:

The person’s height and weight

The person’s overall health and metabolism

The person’s tolerance level

The presence of other drugs in the body

The dose consumed

The purity and potency of the heroin

Once heroin is consumed, the effects typically last between 3 to 5 hours, and include the following:

Pain relief

Intense pleasure (euphoria)

Relaxation and drowsiness

Dry mouth

Pinpoint pupils

Decreased libido

Suppressed appetite

Confusion and clumsiness

Slurred speech

Slowed breathing and heart rate

Nausea and vomiting

Heroin is most commonly injected intravenously using needles. In cases where needles are shared between multiple people without being sterilized in between uses, there is a dramatically increased risk of the following:

Hepatitis B and C

Tetanus

Vein damage

Infection

HIV and AIDS

Long-term Effects of Heroin

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “repeated heroin use changes the physical structure and physiology of the brain, creating long-term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems that are not easily reversed. Studies have shown some deterioration of the brain’s white matter due to heroin use, which may affect decision-making abilities, the ability to regulate behavior, and responses to stressful situations. Heroin also produces profound degrees of tolerance and physical dependence.”

Regular heroin use may also eventually lead to the following:

Bouts of intense sadness

Irregular menstrual cycles

Difficulty conceiving children

No libido

Chronic constipation

Damage to the liver, lungs, heart, and brain

Damage to the veins, skin

Heart and lung infections from injecting

Increased tolerance

Financial, work, and social problems

Heroin Overdose

Heroin users can overdose if they consume a sufficiently large amount or encounter a particularly potent batch or a batch laced with an even stronger drug, like fentanyl. If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the following symptoms after consuming heroin, contact emergency medical help right away:

Difficulty concentrating

Trouble staying awake, or “nodding out”

Difficulty urinating

Itchiness

Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

Cold and clammy skin

Dangerously slowed respiration rate

Bluing of the lips and fingertips (cyanosis)

Loss of consciousness

Naloxone, or Narcan®, is an opioid antagonist that detaches heroin from opioid receptors, thereby preventing or reversing an overdose. Fortunately, naloxone is carried by nearly all first responders and can be acquired over-the-counter without a prescription at most major pharmacies in the United States.

Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin is notoriously difficult to stop using because the body rapidly becomes dependent on its presence in order to function normally. Once the body is dependent, if the user attempts to quit or cut back their heroin use, highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms will occur. Such symptoms usually start within 6 to 24 hours after the last consumed dose and may last for a week or more – the first one to three days are by far the worst.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms include the following:

Intense cravings for more heroin

Restlessness and irritability

Runny nose

Diarrhea

Depression and uncontrollable crying

Insomnia and frequent yawning

Stomach aches and leg cramps

Goosebumps

Lack of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Rapid heartbeat

Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is a devastating and potentially fatal condition that adversely impacts the lives of those suffering as well as loved ones. If you or someone you know is addicted to heroin, it is imperative that you seek treatment as soon as possible. Although not curable, heroin dependence is treatable, and people can and have successfully recovered and went on to enjoy long-lasting sobriety and happy, fulfilling lives.

Research has shown that the best outcomes are achieved when patients undergo a medical detox followed by long-term inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment and aftercare. The programs should encompass a comprehensive approach using evidence-based modalities such as psychotherapy, psychoeducation, counseling, and group support.

Our center employs certified medical professionals who specialize in addiction and administer these services with compassion. We can help restore sanity to your life and get you started on the path to long lasting recovery.

Please do not suffer another day. Call us now to find out how we can help!